James Eyre Obituary
Mr. Eyre graduated from Hampton High School and then served as a First Lieutenant (Intelligence) in the Army during the Vietnam War, leading a squad. When he returned from Vietnam, Mr. Eyre earned an Associate's degree at Thomas Nelson Community College. Mr. Eyre then attended Christopher Newport University and played for the CNU Tennis Team. He graduated from CNU in 1975. Both tennis and Christopher Newport University continued to be important as he eventually served as President of the Alumni Society, then served on both the University Board and Athletics Board over the years. Christopher Newport University recognized Mr. Eyre's many years of service by dedicating the new tennis center in his name: The James T. and Sarah C. Eyre Tennis Center. Mr. Eyre graduated from CNU with a business degree and worked for several companies in Richmond, VA, before becoming CFO of VBS, Inc. until his retirement. A love of the water and boating also characterized Mr. Eyre's life, and he and his wife happily retired to the Isle of Palms, SC, in 2007, to continue to enjoy boating and playing tennis with friends.
Mr. Eyre is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sarah Cross Eyre; two daughters: Kathleen Eyre Swenson, currently residing in Asia, and Sally Eyre Rock of Mt. Pleasant, SC; two sons-in-law: Dr. Jim Swenson and Jamey Rock; and five grandchildren: Caleb, Annabelle, Judah, Eliza Rose Swenson, and Sutton Rock.
The family plans to hold a celebration of life service in Virginia early in the New Year.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of James Tyler Eyre, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Ed Lilly
November 24, 2025
Very saddened to hear that Jim had passed away. He was a great student of management and i learned a lot from him. Twenty years later and I still tell stories about my old boss. Really going to miss knowing he's around. Best wishes to Sarah and their family.
Tim Tierney
October 23, 2025
So sorry to hear of Jim passing,we played Tennis over the years in Bon Air Va, Jim was a great guy and always a gentleman.Marilyn and I send our condolences to the family
Tim / Marilyn Tierney
Randy Bryant
September 23, 2025
Jim was a great tennis teammate, a great fellow Alumni President, a great fellow board member, a great philanthropist, a great Captain, and a great friend. My love and prayers to Sarah and family.
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